svelte

adjective

ˈsvelt How to pronounce svelte (audio)
Definition of sveltenext
1
as in skinny
having a noticeably small amount of body fat the svelte dancer seemed to float across the stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sophisticated
having or showing very polished and worldly manners the interior designer spoke in a low, svelte voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of svelte Compared to Ars’ usual diet of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids that regularly weigh more than two tons, the Seltos feels svelte by comparison. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026 This portable misting fan is more discreet than a spray bottle fan on a lanyard and svelte enough to slip into a purse or backpack. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 On the carpet, Delevingne stepped out in a svelte black halter-neck dress by Ralph Lauren, featuring black illusion-mesh cap sleeves. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 4 May 2026 Vato’s tiny storefront is austere and modern, an aesthetic that extends to the burritos themselves, which are long, lithe roll-ups with a sort of gamine appeal, svelte as a Virginia Slim. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for svelte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for svelte
  1. skinny
  2. sophisticated
  3. slender
  4. graceful
  5. thin
  6. smooth
  7. lean
  8. suave
Adjective
  • Since the beginning of the episode, Lee’s been tailed by McMann’s skinny accomplice — the guy Ginger shot in the neck at the end of the season premiere.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • His long tusks were pale white; the bottoms of his feet splayed out wide under his skinny legs, the better to stabilize on sand.
    — Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of skinny
Adjective
  • The project also reflects the increasing importance of reliable manufacturing capacity in industries that depend on sophisticated electronic, sensing and space-related technologies.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Soviets and their allies might have sophisticated weaponry and boundless barbarity.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of sophisticated
Adjective
  • However, the Camille features a discreet and comfortable one-inch heel for a modern and slender silhouette that lifts the feet slightly off the ground.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Some of them have panoramic views of white windmills, which dot the coastline of the Taiwan Strait like slender sentries.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of slender
Adjective
  • The brusque treatment of an executive of Bajaria’s stature is a sign that no one is safe from scrutiny, and no one should ever count on making a graceful exit.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Minervini calmed down from there, delivering a more graceful goodbye.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • With fewer trainees at the start of the talent pipeline, organizations are likely to face a thinner shortlist for the CFO seat in the future.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Rams are already thin at receiver in the wake of a hamstring injury suffered by Davante Adams during the Rams’ 18-16 defeat by the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • Each time a shutter fires, and each time a tire squeals, involves countless pieces working together to deliver a smooth outcome.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Scientists expected the asteroid’s surface to be a smooth, sandy sphere where OSIRIS-REx could seamlessly touch down.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • The question here is no longer whether routine HR tasks can be automated, but whether a lean enterprise can entirely decouple structural governance from human oversight.
    — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Now after some very lean years, UConn football is being talked about.
    — Eric Womack, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of lean
Adjective
  • Someone with aura is confident, cool, collected, and suave; someone without aura is insecure, cringey, or generally uncool.
    — Stephanie Kasulka, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In the first series, Bateman plays Vince, a charismatic and chaotic screw-up who reunites with his brother, suave bar owner Jake (Jude Law).
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of suave

Browse Nearby Words

suzerains
svelte
svelteness
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Cite this Entry

“Svelte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/svelte. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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